Teak BenchesOur teak benches are made from the highest quality teak which means that they come ready to use.
Teak can be left outside all year round, surviving even the most extreme weather conditions. Therefore, teak is often considered the gold standard for outdoor benches as it does not warp, rot or crack.
Teak wood does not require treatment because it is protected by its own natural oils that migrate to the surface of the wood and make the wood virtually impervious to water.
Over time, as natural teak is exposed to the elements, it gradually changes colour from the golden brown colour of new teak to a silver-grey patina, but this does not harm the strength or quality of the bench. We recommend that you allow your teak furniture to weather naturally apart from occasional cleaning. Simply clean your bench once or twice a year with soapy water or Golden Care Teak Cleaner. Teak furniture may also benefit from an occasional light sanding. Sanding any roughness of the grain can make the furniture seem just like new again.
If you would like the bench to retain its original colour, we suggest the use of a Golden Care Teak Protector. It is a water based treatment (not oil based) which will allow the wood to retain its original colour for longer. It reinforces the colour and gives a beautiful end-result. Application of Teak Protector will not affect the strength or longevity of the furniture in any way, just its appearance.
You will need to apply regular coats of Teak Protector. The condition of the teak and the environment in which the teak is used will dictate the frequency of the reapplication. Golden Teak Protector should be used when the teak furniture starts to turn pale. We recommend using Golden Teak Protector on a small area first such as the back of a leg to judge if the treatment meets your expectations.
The use of varnish and oil on teak furniture is not recommended. Products such as varnish and polyurethane will peel and chip and are difficult to remove without vigorous sanding. Oiling teak will not prevent the wood from greying and often results in mould and mildew growing on the furniture (which usually shows up as black dots or patches).
OakThe oak has been treated at source with a sealer and wood preservative. Once outside this will last about 6 months depending on the elements.
It is important that further treatment is applied as soon as you see the colour fading and the wood grain rising. This treatment allows you to maintain the natural look of you bench, whilst extending its longevity so you get maximum use out of your bench.
The recommended maintenance kit for Oxford FSC oak bench comprising of 500ml wood cleaner, 500ml oil, sponge, cotton cloth, paint brush, cleaning brush, sand paper and gloves is supplied with your bench. Additional maintenance kits or Osmo oil can be also purchased.
Treatment should be repeated as and when you experience the same indications in future years. Although this will reduce the amount of cracking that the wood will produce over the years, it will not prevent it totally.
The oak has been constructed in such a way that any cracks will not affect its ability to perform as a piece of furniture. Oak is a wide grained wood and cracks or shakes will open and close depending on the weather. These add to its character and are typical of this well know timber.
If the furniture is not re-treated it will start to weather very quickly and will adopt all the characteristics of oak - i.e. changing to silver in colour and developing shakes, throughout the life of the furniture.
MahoganyDue to the weathering process and timber being a natural material, joints will become slightly offset and surface cracks will occur. Depending on the climatic conditions when your bench is outside, this can happen within only a few hours and will not compromise the strength of the bench, which is designed with this in mind.
The timber can be left to weather down or alternatively can be treated with Alexander Rose timber treatment plus and timber sealer, the latter of which is optional.
Your furniture can be cleaned using soapy water and a stiff brush, allowing it to dry fully before the application of any timber treatment.
More severe stains such as spillages, birds droppings and mildew etc. can be removed by using Golden Care cleaner. Alternatively, sand using a medium grit sandpaper.
Lifting grain and cracks can be glued using a waterproof adhesive suitable for timber. Clamping may be necessary with excess glue being removed using a damp cloth. The area should be sanded once the glue is dry.
From time to time it is necessary to check and if required, re-tighten all bolts.
RobleRoble is a durable hardwood which is light yellow in colour. It has a smooth luster and texture with a closely interlocked grain and has similar qualities to teak. If left untreated roble will mellow down to a silver grey appearance. The timber can be left to weather down or alternatively can be treated with Alexander Rose timber treatment plus to enhance the beauty of the wood, timber sealer to ensure the best possible protection against grime and weathering or Golden Care protector.
Your furniture can be cleaned using soapy water and a stiff brush, allowing it to dry fully before the application of any timber treatment.
More severe stains such as spillages, birds droppings and mildew etc. can be removed by using Golden Care cleaner. Alternatively, sand using a medium grit sandpaper.
Lifting grain and cracks can be glued using a waterproof adhesive suitable for timber. Clamping may be necessary with excess glue being removed using a damp cloth. The area should be sanded once the glue is dry.
From time to time it is necessary to check and if required, re-tighten all bolts.
PineOur pine benches have been treated in order to make them suitable for outdoor use, giving a durability of 10 years. Colour varies from pale yellow to green, which then mellows over time to silver grey. As with all natural timber products they will be subject to movement and deterioration as they season. This may become evident with shakes, splits and warping. Timber is a natural product and these are not considered to be a fault or defect. Pine should be treated annually with a preserver such as Cuprinol or Ronseal.
Wood treatments can be purchased from our website:
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